As homeowners, we understand a meticulously maintained lawn’s intrinsic value and appeal. A lush, green lawn contributes to your home’s curb appeal and provides an inviting space for outdoor activities and relaxation. However, achieving this verdant oasis requires more than regular mowing, weeding, and trimming. Only a well-rounded approach can get you there, and the lawn care professionals at Pure Lawn are here to guide you.

1. A Strategic Watering Routine

Watering is the most essential task in maintaining a thriving lawn, but you should build your plan strategically. Watering doesn’t only provide hydration but also aids in maintaining soil health and reducing susceptibility to diseases or insects. Every lawn is unique, and a robust watering plan should consider the type of grass, the terrain, and the lawn’s specific vulnerabilities.

As a base level, Pure Lawn recommends 30-40 minutes of watering per area of coverage at least four days a week, ideally starting in early April. However, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We adjust this plan based on your lawn’s unique features. If your lawn has slopes or low spots, these need additional attention as they can drain too quickly or become oversaturated.

2. Lawn Disease Observation and Analysis

Lawn diseases can disguise themselves and often get mistaken for water or nutrient deficiencies. For instance, if you notice patches of your lawn starting to discolor, don’t rush to conclude that it’s due to a lack of watering. This may be a symptom of disease activity. Furthermore, a stressed lawn can become a disease breeding ground due to insufficient water.

Understanding and diagnosing lawn diseases require a trained eye. Different diseases leave unique clues. For instance, dollar spot leaves browning bands on leaf surfaces that look almost identical in the center to brown patch disease, but the upper and outer margins are blondish tan. In contrast, brown patch outer bands are more purplish and blackish. Therefore, having a lawn disease expert check your grass is crucial rather than trying to diagnose yourself once you see issues.

3. Setting Strategic Plans for Diseases

There are two main options regarding lawn disease control – preventative treatments and treatment when diseases are identified. Choosing the right approach is essential based on your lawn’s history and condition.

Preventative Approach

Preventative lawn disease control can be likened to managing high blood pressure: you take daily medicine to keep it in check. If your lawn has a history of diseases or the environmental factors favor diseases, starting preventive treatments in May and continuing applications at intervals that coincide with the product’s instructions is beneficial.

Treatment when Disease is Found

If a disease is already present, treatment involves the application of specific fungicides that tackle the problem effectively. A product like Heritage G, which combines two active ingredients fungicides in granular form, is often recommended. It offers up to 28 days of disease growth prevention (with the short side being 14 days). Usually, you can expect a solid 20 days of control. Heritage G is particularly effective in controlling brown patch and dollar spot.

4. Mastering Mowing Techniques

Though Pure Lawn doesn’t directly provide mowing services, we understand the impact of proper mowing techniques on lawn health. The trick is to mow as high as you can. This is particularly beneficial if you’re growing cool-season grasses like fescue, bluegrass, and rye.

High mowing provides shade to the soil, reducing evaporation and preserving soil moisture. Moreover, it shields the soil from UV rays that can degrade your pre-emergent weed protections. It also deprives broadleaf weeds of the sunlight they need to flourish. While the standard mowing length was 3 inches in the past, we’ve found that recently our clients have achieved much better results when they mowed closer to 4 inches.

5. Fertilization Fuels Lawn Growth

Fertilization is another critical component of maintaining a healthy lawn. Spring lawn fertilization, diligent watering, and proper mowing can significantly enhance your lawn’s color and overall health. However, it’s important not to miss out on your watering routine following fertilization, as this can stress the lawn and result in an undesirable color.

It’s also important to remember that the greenest lawn is not necessarily the healthiest one. Instead of striving for an overly vibrant green, aim for a consistent, desirable color that indicates steady health. Maintaining this consistency throughout the summer is the real testament to a well-cared-for lawn.

6. Insect Prevention

Insects can wreak havoc on your beautiful lawn, and prevention is key in controlling their damage. Grub control is part of most lawn insect services, with surface insect control if they are found. Additionally, you can opt for a surface insect preventative as an add-on to your program. This measure adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring your lawn remains free from pesky intruders that could compromise its health.

Maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn is an art and science, and Pure Lawn is committed to helping homeowners in St. Louis master it. Our professional and customized lawn care solutions focus on watering, disease observation and prevention, fertilization, and insect prevention. These aim to achieve and maintain a lush, vibrant lawn throughout the scorching summer. Let’s collaborate to make this summer the most vibrant one yet for your lawn. After all, a happy, healthy lawn is more than just a lawn—it’s your outdoor sanctuary.